TIRANA, November 25/ATA/-The representatives of institutions and enterprises operating in the maritime space held today at the hall of Durrës Port Authority the national workshop on the Ratification and Effective Implementation of Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships).
On behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Deputy Minister Artan Shkreli delivered a greeting speech to the event emphasizing that the International Maritime Organization IMO has already adopted Annex VI to the Convention, which provides for rules to protect air from the emission of gases as a result of burning fuel on the ship.
Shkreli added that “For the time being, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy as the responsible ministry has initiated the procedure for Ratification of Annex VI of the Convention, as well as for drafting other legal and sub-legal acts for its implementation”.
On her part, the Deputy General Director of Durrës Port Authority Sonila Toska positively assessed holding of this workshop in the port of Durrës where it is realized 80% of the maritime traffic of ships and freight. She spoke about the investments in upgrading the country’s largest port, as well as joint co-operation projects with other ports in the region.
Although air pollution from ships does not have a direct and noticeable effect on the population, it does cause a cumulative effect, affecting general population health problems in many areas, especially in port cities, such as Durres, Vlora, Shengjin, etc.
This pollution also affects the natural environment, rising temperatures, causing even the greenhouse effect. The workshop was conducted with the consultation of Dr. Zabi Bazar, expert with a long professional and academic experience.
The workshop was organized in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization IMO, the United Nations Environment Program UNEP and the Regional Center for Response to Emergency Pollution./k.s/r.e/p.s./
